In the warm spring of the third lunar month, an out-of-town young woman moves into a shabby riverside house in Yu County. Her breathtaking beauty makes her unforgettable to anyone who sees her.
Somehow, word gets around that Yuan Yue is looking for a good family in prosperous Yu County to entrust her future to.
Before long, more than a dozen matchmakers come knocking, all eager to arrange a marriage. Yuan Yue politely turns them down one by one.
The next day, she is seen sitting beneath Immortal Bridge, painting portraits of passersby for ten coins each.
People crossing the bridge stop in their tracks. They ignore the spring scenery and watch her instead.
A matchmaker slaps her thigh and tries to persuade her: "Why put yourself through wind and sun? You could clearly make a living off your looks!"
Wen Lu is the handsome son of the chief minister. The princess has taken a liking to him, but he refuses to become her consort and insists on returning to his hometown to care for his sick grandfather.
Those in the know whisper among themselves: This playboy thinks the princess is ugly. He doesn't care about his career or the Wen family's reputation, and has run home to avoid the marriage. He'll never amount to anything!
When Wen Lu first meets the calculating, silver-tongued woman painter, he thinks she's putting on an act to raise her worth and marry into a powerful family.
Until he sees her rise from a street artist to the top floor of the Leaping Carp Tower, where she secures her place as Yu County's finest painter.
Ten years ago, Yuan Yue's entire family was slaughtered, and she was the only one fortunate enough to escape.
She faintly remembers that the killer had a black mole on his jaw.
She practices her painting relentlessly, determined to paint everyone in Yu County, find the true culprit, and take revenge with her own hands.
On the Lantern Festival, aboard a painted boat in the middle of the lake, two hours pass...
Yuan Yue's brush has only put down a few clusters of blooming fireworks. Facing the carefree young gentleman seated across from her, her usual smile is about to crack. "Young Master Wen, what exactly did you ask me here to paint?"
Wen Lu gently puts an arm around her shoulders and turns them toward a large bronze mirror.
"Paint the two people in the mirror. Make us look good together, and I'll help you get revenge."
Reader's Guide:
1. The male lead uses eloping as an excuse to return home, but he actually has a secret mission. It will be revealed in the middle or later part of the story.
2. This is a fictional setting. Please don't nitpick historical accuracy.
3. Tastes and perspectives vary widely. If it's not for you, please click away and leave politely.
Theme: Let go of prejudice and find true love
